Summer is so close (ignore the recent snow). There is an abundance of motorcycle events in New York this summer so get out there and ride. This list is compliments of New York Rider Magazine. Thank you Carmella!!! Ride Safe this summer! If you need a motorcycle lawyer in New York due to being injured in a motorcycle accident call 1-800-424-5377
May 2010
8thRed Knights MC NY29 Run to Benefit the Fireman’s Home Harry Howard Ave. Hudson, NY. The event starts @ 9:00am run leaves @ Noon for a 50 mile run end back at the Fireman’s Home with BBQ, Music, Prizes and Trophies. For Info:www.rkmcny29.com
8thUnforgiven MC NY 2010 Springtime Bash 8:00 PM, Fuzzy’s, 23921 Braddock Avenue, Bellerose, NY; $20
8thSpring It On Benefit and Ride to Save the Ta-Tas! Sponsored by the Bladesmen MC; Sign-up 1:00 PM at the Sawmill, Schenectady, $20. Pack leaves at 3:00 PM. For more info call 518-269-6753 or email[email protected]
14thThe 3rd Annual toast to “Doug Fowler” a fellow biker will take place at McShanes starts at 6pm 6801 Kinney St. Syracuse, NY fro info: call 315-463-9950.
15thSons of Sam MC 2nd Annual Support Your Troops Run – Registration 11:00 AM at Lafayette Inn, Syracuse-Cortland Road, Lafayette, NY; $10 donation, $5 passenger. http://www.sonsofsammc.com/history.html
15thNorth Shore Ride Her Run – Ride leaves from the Wander Inn for info: 315-623-9774
15th4th Annual Rossman Memorial Poker Run The Miracle Ride, Register at Quigley’s Grand Premier Tire & Battery 593-591 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush,NY $30 per bike For more info: (518)817-3067
15thRoad Dragons 7thAnnual Bike Show at the Bad Pig Saloon Rotterdam Junction, NY starting @ 2pm. $20 donation drinks, food and live music. Trophies awarded for bike show.
15thHelp Spooly Get His Heart on Steak Bake Benefit – 1 to 5pm at OC’S Tavern 317 N. Salina St. Syracuse, NY $15 for info: 315-435-2453.
16th “Chrome Café Roadeo” behind McDonald’s on Rt. 31 in Cicero, NY. Music Beverages and Food available for info: 315-699-0850
17th ABATE of New York 14th Annual Freedom Rally – Ride to the Capitol. “All Motorcyclists Welcome” Come fight for your rights! Ride leaves at 11:00 AM Sharp from Wholly Cow Ice Cream & BBQ, Intersection of Routes 9 & 20, Schodack, NY. 21st – 23rdHells Angels of New York State Jammin’ With 81, Schaghticoke, NY. Info 518-271-8972. VENDORS WANTED!
21st – 23rdMohawk Valley Tattoo Expo at the Herkimer Valley Fair Grounds for info:[email protected]
22ndJury MC Wheels Up Party @ TANK
22nd Joe fest Memorial Her party / Vanderbilt snowmobile club chicken bbq 12-6 at the Wander Inn for info: 315-623-9774
22nd16thAnnual Miracle Rider – Reg starts at 9am at the Spinning Wheel Restaurant 7384 Thompson Rd. N. Syracuse, NY. Ride starts 10:30 am traveling a scenic 60 mile route through Onondaga and Madison counties. For info: call 315-464-4416 or www.upstate.edu/events.
22ndBest Buddies Organizations Ride Reg starts at 9:30Am at Spitzies Harley Davidson(Central ave. in Colonie). $20 driver, $10 passenger. Ride starts at 11:30AM, around Saratoga Lake and ends at Colonie Town Park with food, door prizes, and live music till 4PM. Proceeds benefit children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Contact the Iron Brotherhood MC at [email protected]for more info. Check out bestbuddies.org. Online registration coming soon.
23rdWe Care Ride for Crohn’s/Colitis Ride Check in starts @ 9am at Birch Hill clutches out at 11am $25 per rider $40 w/passenger. For info: email[email protected]or call Pat @ 518-376-3998
23rd “Fifth Annual American Legion Riders Bike Blessing & Ride” To benefit L.E.E.K. Hunting & Mountain Preserve, which Helps Wounded Warriors. 11:00 AM Registration – Kickstands up at 1:00 PM. Orchard Park American Legion Post #567 3740 North Buffalo Rd (corner Webster Rd), Orchard Park, NY. $15/bike or $20 with passenger, $10/Walk in. Admission includes: Bike Blessing & Ride, Rider Pins, Door Prizes, Food Ticket, 50/50, Chinese Auction, Liquor Raffle, and band music by the “Steve Be Rhythm Rockers”
29thTravis Atkins Memorial Run – Registration 9:00-11:30 AM at S&M Motorsports, 23438 Rt. 12, Watertown, NY; $15 per biker
29th“Harley’s Heroes Tour – Gowanda” 10am-3pm. FREE government benefits counseling courtesy of the DAV for our local veterans. Contact Brian at 716-532-4584 if your military appreciation / support organization would like to set up a display. Gowanda Harley Davidson 2535 Gowanda Zoar Road, Gowanda, NY 14070.
June 2010
1st2 – Wheel Tuesday’s At Ho-Beau’s Fireside Grill Benefit Children’s Cancer 10 South West Street (or Route 281) Homer, NY for info (607) 749-2334., Ask for Laurence
4th – 6thThunder In The Forge – Hiltebrant Rec Center Pavilion N. St Old Forge NY. Vendors, Bike Show, Bands, Activities, Rides and a Poker Run for info: www.thunderinoldforge.com
5thThe Road Agents MC 2nd Annual Dirt Drags – at Lime Rock Speedway, Calendonia, NY RoadAgents.com Gen. Info: 585-590-2228 Vendors (585) 343-7917 ATV and MC classes Trophy’s for all classes.
5th3rdAnnual Benefit Run for our four Legged Friends Run Starts at Hudson – Mohawk Valley Humane Society Oakland Ave Menands, NY 75 Mile Scenic view Ends at 69ers Clubhouse for BBQ. $20 donation pp all forms of transportation Welcome!! For info: 518-728-2998
5th1stAnnual Demons in the Forge – Van Aukens Inne 108 Forge St Thendora, NY 1pm to 5pm.
5thBike Blessing and Ride – Ride starts and ends at the Cobblestone Inn Rt33 Locke, NY Blessing at 11am rain or shine free food and ride after blessing for info:315-497-0705
5thA.B.A.T.E. of Onondaga Chapter – 10thAnnual Motorcycle Run on Saturday at the Loop Grill/Meeting Hall, 1114 Wolf St., Syracuse, NY—11:00 – 12:00 SIGN-UP. Kick Stands up at High Noon!!—be gassed up and ready to go! $10.00 donation 5 stops – TBA Open to the public“Let those that ride decide”. Contact (315) 254-7093, (315) 455-1073, or HQ @ (315) 849-5410
5thRidin’ For A Reason To Benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times Sign up’s Rush Creekside Inn & Arkport Cycles from 10am till Noon $20 per bike Parade style ride. Ride leaves @ Noon all vehicle’s welcome ride ends in Dansville at the Skybrook Campgrounds. For info: Call Dick 585-746-1688 or Lynn 585-764-3231.
5th5thAnnual Rolphie Run making a difference on child at a time more info to come!
6thProspect Mountain Memorial Service to Honor All POS’S/MIA’S of all past & present wars 41st ceremony will be held at the summit of Prospect Mountain Veterans Highway in Lake George, NY
6thJeffersonville Fire Department 4thAnnual A Ride through the Mountains Poker Run and Expo. Reg. from 9am till noon at the Jeffersonville Fire Dept. Jeffersonville, NY Donation $20 single rider $30 for duel riders, includes Chicken BBQ, refreshments and live entertainment. For Info: call Bill H. 845-482-4176 / Matt 845-482-4289 /Bill P. 845-482-5221 or Walt 845-807-6058
6thPunishers MC 2ndAnnual Biker Bash at Daisy Dukes Downtown Rochester. $10 pp Featuring the Kid Kurry Band, Tattoo Artists, Vendors 52” Samsung TV Raffle @ 8:00pm. For Info: 585-698-4605.
8th Race for the Cure at the New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse, NY. 6th -13th“Warrensburg Bike Week” Warrensburg NY The whole town gets into it. What a blast!! For info call 518-376-5826
11th 13th“Fourth Annual North Country Biker’s Weekend” At Lanz’s Motel, Cottages & RV Campground in the beautiful Thousand Islands!
Pig Roast, Live Entertainment, Clam Bake, Booze Runs, Live Blues on The Beach, Swimming, Bonfires, Bike Rides, Continental Breakfast, Free Bloody Marys at The Tiki Bar, Horseshoes and much more! Motel rooms, cottages and campsites available! Rain or shine! No attitudes! For more info 315-686-5690.
11th – 13thBlackthorne Resort Spring Motorcycle Run for info: 518-634-2541
12thWarlocks 2ndAnniversary Party at the V.F.W. 1 Violet Ave Poughkeepsie, NY $20 donation includes Pig Roast.
12thSons Of Sam MC Run for the Legion Ride – At American Legion Post 800 307 Main St. Groton NY 13073 Reg. starts @ 11am to 1pm ride goes around Owasco Lake ending where it began. Vendors, Food, Music & 50/50 Donation $10 proceeds to benefit American Legion.
12thNorth Shore Ride Her Run – Ride leaves from the Wander Inn for info: 315-623-9774
12th“Angels Among Us Motorcycle Run” In memory of Stephanie “Stevie” Kinmartin 2/8/57-2/16/08. Bike run registration 1pm, leave 2pm from Openers 7901 Seneca Street East Aurora, NY 14052. 6pm party after the run. $25 donation includes Pig roast, salad, beer, pop, 50/50, Chinese Auction and live music by Joe and The Smoes! Proceeds benefit the Cancer Society. For info call 716-860-6196.
13thBenefit for Angela and John Leone Jr. – John and Angela were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident August 29th 2009 the benefit will be held at the VFW on Rt. 90 in Montezuma, NY $10 donation at the door will include food and music. Info: [email protected]
19thCruz & Blues – At Preferred Power Sports, Rt. 11, Brewerton, NY $10 per person Free ride, kickstands up at 12:30 Event begins at 2:00 till midnight Live music, raffles, 50/50’s, games, vendors and more Food avail for info, contact Neil Fry 315-447-7064. 20thHoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 7,000 mile Race From Key West FL to Alaska for info go to www.hokaheychallenge.com
26thJury MC Poker Run @ TANK
27thMortal Skulls Motorcycle Clubs 5thAnnual “A Run for Awareness” Proceeds go to benefit the Stony Brook University Hospital CHILD LIFE PROGRAM “Helping Children Through the Hospital Experience” Run sign-up starts at the Bellmore, NY Train Station from 10:30 am-Noon Tires Turn 12:15 pm Sharp! Bike blessing at the sign-up Party Starts at 1:00 pm at The Breakers 12 Bayville Ave, Bayville, NY (rain or shine) $10 Donation per person. For more info visitMORTALSKULLS.COM
July 2010
3rd A.B.A.T.E. of Onondaga Chapter – 10thAnnual Helmet Protest Run – Saturday at the Loop Grill/Meeting Hall, 1114 wolf St., Syracuse, Kickstands up at 1:00 PM SHARP!! Be gassed up and ready to go! Fun/Food/Prizes Products/Membership Apps. Open to Public “Let those Who Ride Decide” Contact: (315) 254-7093, (315)455-1073 or HQ @ (315) 849-5410.
6th2 – Wheel Tuesday’s At Ho-Beau’s Fireside Grill Benefit Children’s Cancer 10 South West Street (or Route 281) Homer, NY for info (607) 749-2334., Ask for Laurence
17thVeterans MC “Homeless Veterans Run,” beginning at Sawmill in Schenectady Info website: http://www.veterans1691.com/
17thBoozefighter MC Frontier Chapter 61 Annual Pig Roast Sherburn NY starts at 2 pm-??/? Bring and tent!! $15 a person or $25 a couple. Info:www.Boozefighterchapter61.comOr call Jack at( 607)674-4916 for directions. Everyone is welcome must be 21
17thNorth Shore Ride Her Run – Ride leaves from the Wander Inn for info: 315-623-9774
18thIndian Day on the grounds of the Springfield Museums, see the famous collection of the former Indian Motorcycle Museum in the brand new air-conditioned Museum of Springfield History! admission $12.50. Info: 800-625-7738, ext. 300;www.springfieldmuseums.org.
24thNegative Image Scooter Club presents NISC Poker Run 2010 – Reg 9am Ride Begins: 11am SHARP presale $15 per bike/$5 for rider Ride day $20 per bike/ $5 rider To pre-register contact Ron Bajorek @ 585-248-3810 Start Bajorek Agency 3462 Monroe Ave, Pittsford, NY 14534 (parking lot off French Road) End: Country Rode Motowerks 286 Macedon Center Road Door Prices, Raffles, Breakfast (Coffee & Bagels), Cookout at Country Rode at end of event. All proceeds to Benefit CURE www.curekidscancer.com
25thHOGS FOR DOGS-6th Annual Ride – Proceeds to benefit the Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY Spay/Neuter Fund no on to 5pm $20 per person Scenic ride ‘rain or shine’ party at Devaney’s Riverside Grill 2-5pm For info: flspca.org ,[email protected]or call Carol 315.406.4025
30th – 31st Uneasy Riders Summer Party at property vendors welcome for info: call 518-293-7804 or email [email protected]
31stTrue Justice MC will be holding a fundraiser at the landing zone 155 Wade rd Latham NY 1pm-? for Kaitlin Crandall (Octane’s Daughter) who has Celiacs Diesease $20.00 donation food, raffles and music There will also be a complete Gluten free meal provided by KD’s fish fry in Saratoga NY if there is anything else that you need my for info: 518-542-8715
August 2010
3rd2 – Wheel Tuesday’s At Ho-Beau’s Fireside Grill Benefit Children’s Cancer 10 South West Street (or Route 281) Homer, NY for info (607) 749-2334., Ask for Laurence
6th – 8thChamplain Valley Motorcycle Rally at the Clinton County Fairgrounds for info: call Craig 518-324-4600.
7th5thAnnual Ride for Ben Gowe – Ben was killed when debris was purposely placed in the road on Ct. Rt. 23 on the morning of August 7th 2005. A mailbox with a concrete jug was his doom, he never had a chance and no charges have ever been brought. Ride leave @ noon from the Wander Inn Constantia, NY, all are welcome for this all day affair. For info contact Mike 315-623-7372.
7thAMY’S RIDE in memory of SSG Amy Seyboth Tirador, Fallen Soldier in Iraq Nov 2009. Registration: 9:00am-11:00am at Colonie Central High School, Colonie, NY. Food, beverage, music. Sponsored by IBEW LU236MC. Contact Zig 518-207-5436 or Hurley 518-573-0733. Email: [email protected]
14thNorth Shore Ride Her Run – Ride leaves from the Wander Inn for info: 315-623-9774
14thBFMC Mountain Chapter 60 Summer Party 1:00-6:00 PM, VFW Post 8162, 1 Lyons Lake Rd., Nassau, NY; $20, Music by Joe Roy Jackson; Questions call Scotty at 518-374-2601
14th & 15th A.B.A.T.E. of Onondaga County Chapter – 5thAnnual Memorial Run. This ride is to commemorate all of our fallen brothers and sisters who cannot be here with us today, but will always be with us in spirit. Let’s all Ride Together! Saturday- Meet at the Loop Grill/Meeting Hall, 1114 Wolf St., Syracuse, Kickstands up at 11:00 AM SHARP!! Be gassed up and ready to Go!! Will ride to Kasoag Lake in Williamstown, NY $10 donation – free camping, vendors, rodeo, live entertainment food/beverage available Chicken BBQ & Full Menu @ Add’l. cost Sunday-Discount Bikers Breakfast Buffet-w/ drink specials products/membership Apps For Info: 315-254-7093, 315-455-1073 or HQ 315-849-5410. “Let Those Who Ride Decide”
21stJury MC August Party @ TANK
21st Commander Cody at the Wander Inn Constantia, NY for info: 315-623-9774
21stTwist of Fate MC “Everyday Heroes” Rider to benefit Muscular Sclerosis & our local Watertown Vet Center Reg. starts at 9am at Thunder N Cycles on Rt 3, kickstands up at 11am, run is approx 100 miles, to include 4 stops. There will be plenty of 50/50’s, munchies along the way ride ends at The Ugly Stick with food, more 50/50’s and a big raffle drawn for a $3,000.00 custom bike paint job donated by Junction Boyz. We hope it’s a huge success of course.
27th – 29thMohawk Valley Bike Fest at the Herkimer Valley Fair Grounds for info:[email protected]
7th2 – Wheel Tuesday’s At Ho-Beau’s Fireside Grill Benefit Children’s Cancer 10 South West Street (or Route 281) Homer, NY for info (607) 749-2334., Ask for Laurence
10th 9th Annual Midnight Run to Ground Zero – Ride will start from NYC Harley Davidson 42-11 Northern Blvd Long Island City, NY 11101 meet time is 10pm. KSU @ 11:30pm.
11th A.B.A.T.E. of Onondaga County Chapter – 5thAnnual Horseshoe Tournament – will be hosted by Cayuga Chapter – in 2009 they ran away with the Travelin’ Trophy and we’re here to get it back!! For Info: 315-254-7093, 315-455-1073 or HQ 315-849-5410. “Let Those Who Ride Decide”
16th – 19thCatskill Mountain Thunder at the Blackthorne Resort for info: 518-634-2541
18thNorth Shore Ride Her Run – Ride leaves from the Wander Inn for info: 315-623-9774
26thMilitary Courtesy Room Benefit at the Syracuse Airport this is a place where the troops are welcomed back home when they arrive in Syracuse, NY. Ride leaves @ 11:30 sharp from the Cicero American Legion Post 787 575 Legionnaire Dr. Cicero, NY, food, live music by Back Flash, Raffles, Auctions, etc… For Info:[email protected]or www.gregharrismcr.org.
October 2010
2nd A.B.A.T.E. of Onondaga County Chapter – 2ndAnnual Fall Foliage Run & Membership Appreciation Party on Saturday at the Loop Grill/Meeting Hall, 1114 Wolf St., Syracuse, NY—Kick stands up at High Noon!! Be gassed up and ready to go!! Return to The Loop by 5:00 for Festivities—Fun/Food/Entertainment/Prizes—Products/Membership Apps For Info: 315-254-7093, 315-455-1073 or HQ 315-849-5410. “Let Those Who Ride Decide”
2ndGoat Brother Annual Swap Meet! New Location! Saratoga County Fairgrounds 162 Prospect Street Ballston Sap, NY. Motorcycle Show, Live Entertainment, Motorcycle Parts & Accessories, Gifts & Novelties. For Info: 518-583-3398 or www.goatbrothers.com
3rdMarcus Dairy Bike Show at Marcus Dairy Danbury CT vendors, music and food available 8am to 4pm rain or shine admission $9
5th2 – Wheel Tuesday’s At Ho-Beau’s Fireside Grill Benefit Children’s Cancer 10 South West Street (or Route 281) Homer, NY for info (607) 749-2334., Ask for Laurence
9thNorth Shore Ride Her Run – Ride leaves from the Wander Inn for info: 315-623-9774
23rd A.B.A.T.E. of Onondaga County Chapter – Annual Halloween Party – Meet at the Loop Grill/Meeting Hall, 1114 Wolf St., Syracuse—From 6:00 PM til Midnight.—Prizes for best costume—Fun/Food/Entertainment—Products/Membership Apps For Info: 315-254-7093, 315-455-1073 or HQ 315-849-5410. “Let Those Who Ride Decide”
November 2010
11thJury MC Veterans Party @ TANK
13th Boozefighters MC Mountain Chapter 60 Can Drive
December 2010
11th & 12th A.B.A.T.E. of Onondaga Chapter – Annual Christmas Party/Toy Run –Meet at Loop Grill/Meeting Hall, 1114 Wolf St., Syracuse, NY from 6:00 PM til ??? Donation of $7-NM and $5 – Member–Discount with unwrapped toy, Fun/Food/Music Products/Membership Apps. Contact: (315) 254-7093, (315) 455-1073 or HQ @ (315) 849-5410. “Let Those Who Ride Decide!!”
Harold T. was hit by a State vehicle, while working as a motorcycle escort for a funeral. The State employee cut through an opening in the funeral procession as he was riding alongside in order to get to his next traffic control post. Harold broke his knee and foot and tore his rotator cuff in the accident. He later developed excruciating pain in his legs. His orthopedist suspected CRPS, which is a peripheral nerve disorder that usually occurs after a traumatic event. We retained a CRPS specialist who, after much testing, confirmed the diagnosis and placed him in a multi-disciplinary pain management program, which helped him tolerate the chronic, stubborn pain. The insurance defense doctor said Harold did not have CPRS and, essentially, that he was faking, and required neither treatment nor medication. The first offer by the State was $100,000. We settled the case at a second mediation, shortly before trial, for $2,500,000.
Andre M. was badly injured by a motorist who failed to yield while making a left turn. He spent the next 11 months in and out of surgeries and confined to a wheelchair. Andre was immobilized, unable to provide for himself or his family, all while his expenses and staggering medical bills grew exponentially. The Defense tried every trick they could to tarnish the viability of Andre’s claim. They even called Andre’s mother to try and have her convince Andre to accept their low ball offers. The Defense alleged that his injuries were exaggerated due to pre-existing medical conditions, that he was drunk or high at the time of the accident, and that he was travelling at an excessive speed. None of these allegations had merit, nor were they supported by the evidence. All the defense arguments failed at mediation and the case settled for $2.25 million.
Janusz Z. was broadsided by a construction truck that failed to yield after stopping at a stop sign. Janusz did not have a stop sign and had the right of way. Hit full-on by a large truck, Janusz sustained severe crush injuries to his feet and ankles, a fractured hip, knee, ribs, and a liver laceration. He was in the hospital for 33 days. The severity of his injuries left Janusz permanently disabled–unable to return to work, provide for his family or live the very physical life he had enjoyed before the accident. An insurance company investigator visited Janusz in the Emergency Room to get a statement while he was heavily medicated, shortly after the accident. From the outset, the insurance company took the incredible stance that the accident was Janusz’ fault, and that he was grossly exaggerating his injuries. They denied all liability. They hired a private investigator right after the accident, before he even retained legal counsel, who followed and videoed Janusz for a total of 300 days, in an attempt to prove he was not truly injured. We fought tooth and nail to force a timely and fair settlement but ultimately had no choice but to go to trial. In the courtroom Defense counsel painted Janusz as a faker and malingerer but we presented the jury with the best expert witnesses, accident reconstructionist and skilled trial attorneys. Four years after the accident, the jury returned a verdict of $19,466,000 for Janusz.
Lauren B. was the passenger on a motorcycle when a piece of equipment that was not properly secured, fell off of the vehicle driving in front of them. The motorcycle swerved to avoid being struck and passenger Lauren B. was ejected in the subsequent crash. She sustained a fractured ankle and later developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in the lower part of her leg. CRPS is a serious medical condition caused by severe damage to the nerves, an injury that we are very familiar with but that insurance companies often refuse to acknowledge. The pain from CRPS is intense and chronic but not easy to prove. The insurance company refused the claim outright and the adjuster would not even pay for the damage to the motorcycle. We filed suit early on to protect Lauren’s interests and upon further investigation found that the vehicle had a known defect. Despite receiving recall notices to fix the problem, repairs were never made even though they were very inexpensive. This discovery along with the extensive damage to Lauren’s health and well-being after the accident resulted in a settlement of $3.5 million.
Mario C. was riding his motorcycle in the middle of 3 lanes of a surface street when a car pulled out of a gas station on his right and continued into his lane in front of him without signaling. Mario braked, locked up and went down with his bike landing on his leg. He sustained a broken knee and required surgery. The insurance company adjuster accepted, then denied, liability and did not accept that the degree of damage to Mario’s knee was that extensive. The final insurance offer was $137,000. We advised Mario not to settle for that amount and took the case to trial. The jury returned a verdict of $1.2 million. We also collected costs of more than $64,000 and more than $50,000 in additional interest.
James C. was riding his motorcycle on a surface street in the left lane when a pickup truck pulled out of a side street on his right and crossed into his lane, side swiping him and pushing him into oncoming lanes where he crashed at the curb. He suffered multiple orthopedic injuries from which he ultimately recovered, but he also suffered a head injury that continued to be problematic, affecting his daily life in subtle ways. The insurance company disputed the nature and extent of the head injury. The original offer was for $300,000, for the orthopedic injuries. We advised James to reject the offer and retained a neuropsychologist who conducted two days of testing on James. The results confirmed that James had suffered a traumatic brain injury. We also took the depositions of a close co-worker and James’ wife, who testified convincingly about the changes in James’ personality. The insurance company case settled shortly thereafter for the $1,000,000 policy limits.
Debra H. was riding her motorcycle on HWY 395 when a motorist, distracted by scenery, rear ended her. Debra and her bike were pushed approximately 30 feet before the bike flipped onto its side, then slid an additional 120 feet along the roadway before finally coming to a stop at the shoulder. After interviewing the parties and two witnesses as well as examining the physical evidence–the police officer on the scene concluded that the other motorist was solely at fault. Nevertheless, the insurance company challenged Debra’s extensive injuries. We refused to back down and fought for the value of Debra’s case. In the end, the insurance company agreed to tender the full $1 million policy limits.
Roberto R. had an accident with a lit-up California Highway Patrol officer. He initially signed with a competitor, who mishandled his Motorcycle Accident Injury Case. They did not file the government claim form correctly, then decided he had no case to pursue, telling Roberto the circumstances were “too complicated” and there was “no value” to his case. This injured rider was a club member and had stopped treating for his injuries for several reasons. He was left hanging with not a lot of time. Luckily, he came to us for a second opinion. It was immediately apparent that the facts had not been properly assessed and the other firm was discouraged at the challenge of proving the law enforcement officer was at fault. Upon our investigation, the officer’s own department agreed he was responsible for the accident. We were able to secure our client the proper medical treatment so he was able to fully recover physically. If he not called us and just listened to what our competition said he would have been out a $275,000 settlement and been permanently injured.
Lauren B. was the passenger on a motorcycle when a piece of equipment that was not properly secured, fell off of the vehicle driving in front of them. The motorcycle swerved to avoid being struck and passenger Lauren B. was ejected in the subsequent crash. She sustained a fractured ankle and later developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in the lower part of her leg. CRPS is a serious medical condition caused by severe damage to the nerves, an injury that we are very familiar with but that insurance companies often refuse to acknowledge. The pain from CRPS is intense and chronic but not easy to prove. The insurance company refused the claim outright and the adjuster would not even pay for the damage to the motorcycle. We filed suit early on to protect Lauren’s interests and upon further investigation found that the vehicle had a known defect. Despite receiving recall notices to fix the problem, repairs were never made even though they were very inexpensive. This discovery along with the extensive damage to Lauren’s health and well-being after the accident resulted in a settlement of $3.5 million.
Pavlin Z. was riding a 50 cc Honda scooter along the curb in San Francisco and suffered a tibial plateau knee fracture when an SUV in the number one lane changed lanes and cut him off. There was no contact between the scooter and the SUV; Pavlin hit the curb trying to avoid being hit by the SUV. The investigating officer faulted the scooter rider entirely. The SUV driver was named only as a witness in the Traffic Collision Report rather than as an involved party. Further, another witness on the Traffic Collision Report was unfavorable to Pavlin. The insurance company denied the claim outright and we filed suit immediately. In Discovery, we established that the witness did not have a clear view of the accident, and while the SUV passenger saw the scooter, the SUV driver did not. The “facts” of the case were effectively reversed with this new information and the case settled 11 days before trial for $1,400,000.